Chair

Speaker David Ralston, Georgia
Georgia
SLC Chair 2014-2015

A message from Speaker David Ralston, Georgia

Southern Legislative Conference Chair, 2014-2015

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is my honor to serve as newly elected Chair of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) for the 2014-2015 term. In addition, I am pleased to host the 69th Annual Meeting of the SLC in Savannah, Georgia, July 18 – 22, and extend a personal invitation to you to join us.

As the work of state legislatures is becoming more complex, our institutions are seeing tremendous changes. Building consensus and finding solutions require shared experiences and expertise. Drawing upon the work of states across the region is becoming more essential in order to work more effectively and efficiently, and participating within the framework of the SLC, and tapping into the many services and programs provided, allows us to do our work for the citizens of our respective states more effectively.

As the spotlight continues to shine on our region as the catalyst for innovative practices in economic development, we, as policymakers, will need to continue our ongoing efforts to ensure a prosperous future for all our citizens. Whether through the growing footprint in our aeronautics and automobile industries, to the evolving role of our technical colleges to prepare a 21st century workforce, to the importance of our intermodal transportation hubs – including ports and waterways – the Southern region is well-positioned to emerge from the Great Recession ahead of much of the United States.

The programs and services provided by the SLC can play a significant role in supporting our efforts, whether through our many leadership training opportunities, extensive research and inquiry services, webinars, publications or policy delegations. I encourage you to become an active participant in our organization if you are not already.

I look forward to working with you during my tenure as Chair of the Southern Legislative Conference.

Sincerely,

Speaker David Ralston, Georgia
SLC Chair, 2014 - 2015

The Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) of The Council of State Governments was established in 1947 and is composed of the presiding officers and key legislators from 15 Southern states. The SLC is a non-partisan organization located in Atlanta, Georgia.